"Paul's impressive filmmaking and commercial film career, his championship of Seattle as a thriving commercial film production city, and his commitment to the local filmmaking industry make him an obvious honoree this year," said Mayor McGinn. "I congratulate him on his work and thank him for being a leader in our local film industry."

The Mayor's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film recognizes an individual or entity for exceptional work that has significantly contributed to the growth, advancement and reputation of Seattle as a filmmaking city. The award presented is artwork created by artist Dale Chihuly.

The five Seattle film industry representatives on the Nomination and Selection Committee considered many deserving people before reaching a unanimous decision on the 2013 awardee, Paul Matthaeus.

After spending 15 years in the ad agency business, Paul Matthaeus founded Digital Kitchen (DK) in 1995 with the mission to apply entertainment principles to brands- and in turn- branding principles to entertainment.

After studying photography, filmmaking, design and advertising- all at Washington State institutions- Matthaeus aimed to advance broader experimentation and creativity in full-motion electronic media (digital filmmaking), with the goal of heightening audience engagement and brand affinity.

Not only has DK grown into a creative force that traverses entertainment and advertising- winning many accolades along the way- Matthaeus has developed the careers of countless digital artists and filmmakers, through DK's home office in Seattle and satellites across the nation.

"Unlike most filmmakers, I've spent my entire life and career in Seattle," said Matthaeus. "This city has played a seminal role in who I am, and has defined my outlook on business and creativity. I think to a great degree, this honor validates Seattle as a world-class creative center."

The success of DK can be traced to Paul's ability to shorten the connection between artists, audiences and the medium of film- through a uniquely collaborative process sustained through execution. Rejecting the traditional director-centric "auteur theory", Matthaeus' collaborative discipline has yielded an expansive creative vocabulary.

Under his stewardship, the work of DK has touched every continent and garnered awards in every major industry forum. DK was twice-voted best firm by the Association of Independent Commercial Producers, and in 2002 and 2007 won the Emmy® at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Digital Kitchen has been nominated for 11 Emmys in the opening title category. In 2011, DK took the Grand Prix (best of show) at the Cannes® International Festival of Creativity for their immersive digital experience created for The Cosmopolitan of Las VegaTM.

"Paul epitomizes the intersection of art and commerce. He takes the challenge of selling a brand and weaves a story into a work of beauty. Seattle is lucky to have him," said James Keblas, director of the Office of Film + Music.

Matthaeus has been a keynote speaker for the Vienna APP Congress, AIGA, Broadcast Design Association, FlashForward, Hallmark Symposium, SIGGRAPH, AdClub, INVERGE, Turner Sports and the Graphic Artist Guild. His published books and commentaries on advertising, technology and creativity in marketing earned Matthaeus a reputation as a futurist and thought leader.

The 8th Annual Mayor's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film will be presented officially by Mayor Mike McGinn during the opening ceremony of the Seattle International Film Festival, to be held this year on Thursday, May 16, 2013 at McCaw Hall.

The Office of Film + Music is designed to grow Seattle's entertainment industries. By focusing on the growth of businesses, revenue, jobs and wages, the office strives to make Seattle a great place to MAKE A LIVING making film, music and interactive digital media. From promoting Seattle as a business destination to issuing public-use permits, the Office of Film + Music brings in over $21 million annually to the City of Seattle from out-of-state business and is accountable locally to industries, which combined, generate over $1.6 billion in revenue and create over 16,000 jobs. http://www.seattle.gov/filmandmusic